In the midst of the Michael Jackson coverage all over CNN I found some good Boilermaker tidbits to pass along in quick format.
Former Boiler Dan Sattler to play in Northern League All-star game - Sattler pitched at Purdue until 2006 when he was a 44th round draft choice of the Texas Rangers. He has had a circuitous career that has seen him go from Harrison High in West Lafayette, to the University of Miami, back home to Purdue, and now in the independent minor leagues with the Kansas City T-Bones. He'll be pitching in the Northern League All-Star Game later this month. For those that think the independent leagues are a dead end, I give you Joe Thatcher. The 2001 KHS grad and fellow Kokomoan got his start in the Northern League as an undrafted free agent and has worked his way up to the Padres.
Dru Anthrop named Lafayette area small-school player of the year - I know he is a walk-on that likely won't see many minutes, but I love that this kid is just an all-around athlete that turned down scholarship offers elsewhere to play at Purdue. He is another Bobby Buckets type right down to being a townie. Anthrop was named the Lafayette Journal & Courier's Small School player of the year for baseball. He twice received the same honor for basketball, including earlier this year. He's a player and a leader, so he will definitely help in practice and if he ever gets on the court. It wouldn't shock me if he ended up playing a little baseball at Purdue before he is done.
Karnes shines at World University Game - Purdue diver Ashley Karnes recently won a bronze medal in the 1-meter springboard at the World University Games in Belgrade. David Colturi and and Kara Cook also have good chances at medaling after qualifying for the finals in their events. Combined with David Boudia, Purdue is quickly becoming a power nationally in collegiate diving.
Kris Cooke and Kevin Green dismissed from team - ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reports that defensive tackle Kris Cooke and cornerback Kevin Green were dismissed from the team for repeated violations of team rules. Cooke was a recent transfer from Northern Illinois who was expected to supply needed depth along the defensive line. Green was a reserve, but he was likely going to compete for some playing time and a starting role in 2010.
Good signs - All I am saying is keep underestimating us, people. Joey Elliott recently stated that over 80 guys are showing up for voluntary offseason workouts after maybe 20 guys showed up last year. This is a very, very good sign and should pay huge dividends this fall.
More than Mackey - Today's final link from the J&C is one about Purdue's plan to upgrade it facilities as a whole beyond the Mackey Arena revocation. Some of these include the plan for the east side upper deck at Ross-Ade, a new Lambert Field (likely with lights), lights for softball and soccer, and the benefit of all 500+ student athletes having a cumulative GPA over 3.0. I have long been a supporter of the Lambert Field of Dreams project as our baseball facility is frankly one of the worst in college baseball. The fact we can't raise $1 million when the athletic department is willing to put up another $5 million is pathetic. College baseball is one of the fastest growing sports in terms of fan turnout. Many schools have even made it a revenue producing sport. There is absolutely no reason Purdue cannot do the same. After Oregon State won consecutive NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007 we can't even use the cold weather excuse anymore.